Antique Painting - Vanity - 19th Century

Vanity, oil on canvas – dated 1877 - Antoine Bourlard (1826–1899)Vanity with Books and a Human Skull Description:Superb large vanitas-type still life, typical of 19th-century symbolism. The work presents a powerful and meditative composition: a human skull placed on old books with crumbling covers, accompanied by leaves, a white quill and collapsed volumes – allegories of knowledge, time and mortality. These elements refer to the fragility of existence and the vanity of human ambitions. The brushstroke is expressive, with a beautiful pictorial material, particularly visible in the reliefs of the wood and the pages. The palette is dark and rich, typical of Symbolist or late Romantic paintings.Signature: Not visible on the canvas, but identified by an original plaque attached to the gilt frame.Dimensions: 100 cm x 84 cm About:Artist: Antoine Bourlard is a Belgian painter born in Mons, active in the 19th century, renowned for his genre scenes, portraits and still lifes. This painting reflects his technical mastery and sensitivity to Symbolism.Condition: Very good overall condition. Well-preserved period gilt frame, canvas without tears, some superficial cracks consistent with age.